University Heights Police to assist UI during football games

A squad car outside the University Heights Police Department on July 14, 2017.(Photo: Holly Hines / Iowa City Press-Citizen)

In the midst of hiring a fully staffed police force, the University Heights Police Department will start assisting University of Iowa police during football games this year.

"There will be more visible officers in University Heights," said University Heights Police Chief Troy Kelsay, about game days. "It will make it safer and more enjoyable for residents and fans."

In previous years on gamedays, the University Heights Department worked within its district, responded to its own calls, increased its police presence and did not coordinate operations with the UI police department.

With Kinnick Stadium located across the street from University Heights, on fall Saturdays when the Hawkeyes play at home the city of 1,000 people transforms into a sprawling commute for tens of thousands of tailgaters and football fans.

This year, a handful of University Heights officers will be working for the university, assisting the department as other local agencies have for years. Chief Kelsay said having local officers in the area who know it will can better direct traffic and deal with other game day logistical issues.

"I'm not sure why it hasn't been like this before," said Kelsay, adding that perhaps the department was considered too small to offer support.

When fully staffed, the department has four full-time officers, four part-time officers and one full-time chief.

The police department will finish filling its open positions next month, just in time for football season. One full-time officer and two part-time officers are in the final stages of the hiring process.

Kelsay said University Heights officers will provide increased patrols with University of Iowa officers in areas impacted by tailgating and fan presence, including the Athletic Club parking lot and Melrose Avenue near the stadium.

During the games, they will help near the stadium and after the games, they will support the university with traffic control.

"This provides a better opportunity to handle game day challenges in a more efficient way," said University Heights City Councilor Nick Herbold.

In the meantime, two to three University Heights officers will continue responding to regular service calls within the city's limits.

University Heights treasurer Lori Kimura said the sharing of resources will not come at a cost to the city.

Reach Hillary Ojeda at 319-339-7345, hojeda@press-citizen.com or follow her on Twitter at @hillarymojeda